Topical Encyclopedia Menelaus is a figure mentioned in the historical context of the intertestamental period, specifically within the books of the Maccabees, which are part of the Apocrypha. Although not included in the canonical texts of the Protestant Bible, these books provide valuable historical insights into the Jewish experience under Hellenistic rule. Menelaus is a significant character in the narrative of Jewish resistance against Hellenistic influence and the struggle for religious and cultural identity.Historical Background Menelaus was a Hellenistic Jew who served as the high priest in Jerusalem during the 2nd century BC. His tenure is marked by controversy and conflict, as he played a pivotal role in the events leading up to the Maccabean Revolt. Menelaus came to power during a time when the Seleucid Empire, under the rule of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, sought to impose Greek culture and religion upon the Jewish people. Rise to Power Menelaus's rise to the high priesthood was facilitated by his willingness to adopt and promote Hellenistic practices, which were in direct opposition to traditional Jewish customs. He succeeded Jason, his brother, by offering a larger tribute to Antiochus IV, thus securing the position through political maneuvering rather than legitimate priestly succession. This act of bribery and corruption is seen as a betrayal of Jewish religious integrity. Role in the Hellenization of Judea As high priest, Menelaus actively supported the Hellenization policies of Antiochus IV. He is often criticized for his role in the desecration of the Jewish Temple, as he allowed the introduction of pagan practices and the erection of an altar to Zeus within the sacred precincts. This sacrilege was a catalyst for the Maccabean Revolt, as it galvanized the Jewish population to resist the imposition of foreign religious practices. Conflict and Downfall Menelaus's tenure was fraught with internal strife and external pressures. His actions alienated many devout Jews, leading to increased tensions and eventual rebellion. The Maccabean Revolt, led by Judas Maccabeus and his brothers, was a direct response to the oppressive measures enforced by Menelaus and the Seleucid authorities. The revolt ultimately resulted in the rededication of the Temple, an event commemorated by the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Menelaus's downfall came as a result of his inability to maintain support from both the Jewish populace and the Seleucid rulers. His political machinations and religious compromises left him isolated, and he was eventually executed by the Seleucid authorities, who saw him as a liability rather than an asset. Legacy Menelaus is remembered as a cautionary figure in Jewish history, representing the dangers of compromising religious principles for political gain. His account serves as a backdrop to the Maccabean Revolt, highlighting the struggle for religious freedom and the preservation of Jewish identity in the face of external pressures. While not directly mentioned in the canonical texts of the Bible, the narrative of Menelaus and the Maccabees provides context for understanding the historical and cultural challenges faced by the Jewish people during the intertestamental period. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MENELAUSmen-e-la'-us (Menelaos): According to the less likely account of Josephus (Ant., XII, v, 1; XV, iii, 1; XX, x, 3), Menelaus was a brother of Jason and Onias III, and his name was really Onias. But it is very unlikely that there should be two brothers of the same name. The account of 2 Maccabees is more credible-that Menelaus was the brother of the notorious Simon who suggested to the Syrians the plundering of the temple; he was thus of the tribe of Benjamin (2 Maccabees 4:23; compare with 3:4) and not properly eligible to the high-priesthood. He was entrusted by Jason (171 B.C.), who had supplanted Onias, with contributions to the king of Syria, Antiochus Epiphanes, and by outbidding Jason in presents he secured the office of high priest for himself (2 Maccabees 4:23), 171 B.C. Menelaus returned with "the passion of a cruel tyrant" to Jerusalem, and Jason fled. But as Menelaus failed to pay the promised amount, both he and Sostratus, the governor, were summoned to appear before the king. Lysimachus, the brother of Menelaus, was left at Jerusalem in the meantime as deputy high priest. The king was called from his capital to suppress an insurrection of Tarsus and Mallus. Menelaus took advantage of his absence to win over Andronicus, the king's deputy, by rich presents stolen from the temple. For this sacrilege Onias III sharply reproved him and fled to a sanctuary, Daphne, near Antioch. Andronicus was then further persuaded by Menelaus to entice Onias from his retreat and murder him (2 Maccabees 4:34)-an act against which both Jews and Greeks protested to the king on his return, and secured deserved punishment for Andronicus. Meanwhile, the oppression of Lysimachus, abetted by Menelaus, caused a bloody insurrection in Jerusalem, in connection with which a Jewish deputation brought an accusation against Menelaus on the occasion of Antiochus' visit to Tyre. Menelaus bribed Ptolemy, son of Dorymenes, to win over the king to acquit himself and secure the execution of "those hapless men, who, if they had pleaded even before Scythians, would have been discharged uncondemned" (2 Maccabees 4:39;). Menelaus returned in triumph to his office. But Jason, taking advantage of Epiphanes' absence in Egypt and a false rumor of his death, made a bloody but unsuccessful attempt upon the city, in order to secure his office again; his rival took refuge in the citadel. The king returned in fury, caused a three days' slaughter of the citizens, rifled the temple with Menelaus as guide, and left him as one of his agents to keep the Jews in subjection (2 Maccabees 5:1;). He appears next and for the last time in the reign of Eupator in 162 B.C. Lysias, the king's chancellor, accused him to the king as the cause of all the troubles in Judea (2 Maccabees 13:3-8). Eupator caused him to be brought to Berea and there-before, according to 2 Maccabees, loc. cit., or after, according to Josephus, Ant, XII, ix, 7, the invasion of Judea by Eupator and Lysias-to be put to death by being flung from the top of a high tower into the ashes of which it was full-a fitting end for such a wretch. Library How System of the Arithmeticians; Predictions through Calculations ... For, First of All, under King Seleucus, the Son of Antiochus the ... Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ... Concerning the Death of Antiochus Epiphane. How Antiochus Eupator ... The Syrian Persecution. Ambrose. The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... Essay ii. Quod Me Non Movet Aestimatione: Verum Est Greek Text ... Homer's Obligations to the Sacred Writers. Thesaurus Menelaus... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MENELAUS. men-e-la'-us (Menelaos): According to the less likely account of Josephus (Ant., XII, v ... /m/menelaus.htm - 9k Onias Jason (5 Occurrences) Lysimachus Cyprians (1 Occurrence) Sostratus Mene (2 Occurrences) Daphne Menemene (1 Occurrence) Beroea (4 Occurrences) Resources What are the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |